Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is the most recent video game I’ve gotten to this day. Naughty Dog created the game, and for all of you Crash Bandicoot fans, Naughty Dog created that series, too. Jak and Daxter is Naughty Dog’s first free roaming 3D platformer. In the Crash Bandicoot games, you basically moved on a track in 3D.

In the story, Jak, a 15-year-old boy who was usually quiet, honest, and loyal went to Misty Island with his wisecracking, loudmouthed, and clumsy pal Daxter even though they were told not to. And once they found out some horrible news, they decided to turn back. Once they started walking, Daxter trips over a jar full of eco, the energy of the world. And once he finds out that it was “stupid precursor junk,” he just throws it to Jak. Surprisingly, the “junk” lights up when Jak catches it. But then, a Lurker, who is simply a monster, attacks them. So Jak uses the mysterious jar to throw it at the Lurker and destroys it. But during the explosion, Daxter falls into a pool of Dark Eco, the most dangerous element in the universe. Jak supposes Daxter is gone for good, but actually, Daxter is turned into a bright orange ottsel (otter weasel). Daxter is really peeved off that he is an ottsel, so you control as Jak to attempt to “save” your friend Daxter.

During gameplay, you will have the basic platforming moves such as the double jump, the headslam, and a spinning kick attack. And, unfortunately, as many platformers go, you have a lot of collecting to do. The main thing you will have to collect is the power cell. Power cells are not only shiny, but you will need certain amounts to advance in the game. The secondary thing is Precursor Orbs. Orbs are basically the currency in the game, and if you have enough, you can trade in with civilians for power cells. Even though it is a platformer, you can ride on two things when the levels require speed and height. One thing is the A-GraV Zoomer, which is a hoverbike-like thing. The other ride is the Flut-Flut, which is a bird that has an uncanny long jump.

Here are some things that you will notice about Jak and Daxter. One thing is that Jak is mute and doesn’t say any words, yet you can here him when you use attacks and double jump. You have to collect 7 Scout Flies in each level to get a power cell. When you use a headslam move, it actually looks like Jak is landing on his head. Every time you get a power cell, while Jak puts it in his backpack, Daxter breakdances, moonwalks, does the robot, or Jak may pass the cell to him and he will slam-dunk it. Also, every time you die, Daxter will say something funny. My favorite quote is: “That looks like it hurt. Should I call for backup?”:)

Remember what I said about eco? Well, in the game, you will find out that Jak has an amazing talent of harnessing eco. There are four types of eco: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. Red Eco increases your power and attacks. Blue Eco can break boxes, make you run faster, and activate Precursor platforms and artifacts. It also can attract Precursor Orbs. Green Eco increases your health. Finally, Yellow Eco gives you the ability to shoot fireballs at enemies and strongboxes that you can’t break with simple attacks or Blue Eco. 

Overall, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is a very fun and enjoyable game. There are times where I want to tear my head off because of the hard parts, but that’s life. The sound is good, the gameplay is great, the animation is AWESOME. The only flaws I see are just one level and one mission. But still AWESOME.

Score:

10/10